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Abstract

The results of an extensive series of numerical simulation tests to identify the mechanical
characteristics of the recently proposed roll-n-cage (RNC) isolation bearing are presented.
Several different configurations of a 1/10 reduced scale prototype are included in a deep
parametric study. Cyclic horizontal displacement tests considering varying test parameters of
shear displacement amplitude, axial load, and loading frequency were performed. The RNC isolator
shear stiffness and damping properties were investigated in terms of the different test parameters.
Ultimate level tests consisted of monotonic shear loading up to the maximum displacement
limit of the RNC isolator at several different axial loads were performed. The RNC
isolator is subjected to a tensile axial load to check its tension capacity. Attempts were done to
analytically match the resulting force-displacement relationships using the versatile hysteretic
Bouc-Wen model